Anti-Forensic Techniques

Purposely overwriting data is one of the oldest anti-forensic techniques. This usually involves the use of software designed to perform one of three basic functions.

The first form of wiping involves writing over the entire digital media so as to overwrite any data that was previously there. The second most common form of wiping involves overwriting individual files and any remnants of those files in other portions of the digital media. The third most common technique is the overwriting of unallocated or free space on the digital media. For example, magnetic based media such as a hard drive once in use by an operating system will contain allocated space and unallocated space. Allocated data is what is currently active and accessible on the hard drive. This will include data such as a jpeg file, document, text file, Windows Operating System file, etc.

The unallocated space on a hard drive is the portion of the hard drive which has been marked as free and usable, usually by an operating system. This unallocated hard drive space can be used to write new files and data which then belong to the allocated portion of the hard drive.

When a file such as a jpeg is deleted on a Windows operating system in a normal manner by first sending the file to the recycle bin and then by emptying the recycle bin, that file has not actually been "deleted". Rather it has been marked as unallocated and can now be used by the operating system to write new data. The use of wiping software to wipe the unallocated portion of a hard drive will effectively write over all files that have been previously deleted. This will render the data unrecoverable, effectively rendering review and recovery of unallocated and previously deleted files on this hard drive impossible with the technology of today.

Aside from simply wiping digital media, another popular technique is the use of software which will encrypt an entire digital media or just files. Encryption is the process of taking plaintext data and using a cipher or algorithm, making it unreadable to anyone except for those who posses the key, password or some other device to decrypt the data. Encryption has become quite common and the systems and software to employ encryption are becoming easier to use and manage by the average computer user.

One of the most common forms of data encryption that does not involve the transmission of data is file level encryption. This anti-forensics technique is employed quite commonly and is used to hide files such as important documents, pictures and other data from governments, rival businesses and even spouses.

Another very common form of encryption involves encrypting the entire digital medium, such as a hard drive. This means that both allocated and unallocated file space can be encrypted. This will prevent a computer forensics examiner or other individual from accessing and recovering files that have been deleted or are currently active on a digital medium. Anti-forensics methods are not limited to just these two techniques. There are many techniques that can be used to protect the privacy and confidentiality of data.

Incredible Career

Most of us are familiar with the common crimes such that occur in the home or office. Aside from stolen goods, computer technology or information can be stolen from our computers at work or in our homes as well. For this reason families and large corporations are vulnerable to this type of burglary. As a result, new career opportunities have developed for computer forensics training for office employees who can take courses at their local junior college in computer forensics education.

Depending on the career associated with computer forensics training, you may or may not need training for information security, Windows, and network administration. The best course of action is to get a good understanding of the career you want and then look at the type of computer forensics training needed to reach that goal.

Upon completion of college, having this type of certificate or degree will open many exciting career opportunities in computer investigations or perhaps working with law enforcement on criminal prosecution. For this, you will need to complete the appropriate courses for forensics training so you enter the arena as a person of authority.

Although people interested in forensics work have some idea as to career opportunity, most are shocked at the vast number of possibilities. Because of high demand, these jobs offer security, as well as lucrative pay. With the earned certificate or degree, you could work for any number of organizations in the United States or even look overseas. This puts you in a position of power over choosing the company or government entity interested in joining. You could look at small or large companies of virtually any industry.

Having a secure career is huge, especially in today's economy. A degree coming from computer forensics training is worth its weight in gold. Worries about job layoff or having no future opportunity are gone. Instead, with your training, you can work in the real world, making your way to success. The only negative aspect that comes along with forensics training is that most jobs involve working long, hard hours. However, knowing you are doing something good for the company and even the country makes it an easy trade off.

Forensics Certification

Computer Forensics professionals will be in high demand for the coming years. Thanks to the high profile financial scandals that happened around the world. Hence, you should pursue on certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Profession (CISSP) and Certified Computer Examiner (CCE) after graduating. This will enhance the value of your resume. Let's look at 3 ways to earn your certification with ease.

1. First of all, choosing the right certification is the key factor to ensure you do not waste your time and money. There are many computer forensic certifications available in the market provided by different schools either through on campus, online, or distance learning. Hence, the key consideration is to choose the right school and program. You will have to identify what are the areas you want to specialise in and are the program certified and recognised by the respective bodies or organisations. Other considerations include program structure, schedule and syllabus, location, fees, job prospects and etc. Thanks to the convenience of internet, you can conduct detail research online and request for further information to compare the certifications available in order to decide which program suit you the most.

2. Next, achieve a balance in your work, study and leisure. As "all work and no play make you a dull computer forensic" you need to practice good time management and use the 24 hours a day you have usefully. Balancing your life by allocating time for reading which enhances your knowledge and thoughts to giving your body and mind a break by exercising or simply doing something you enjoy will assist in building a stronger, healthier and smarter you.

3. Last but not least, gain more hands-on exposure and experience to help you understand the things you are studying. As exam questions these days are mostly based on practical scenarios, having real working experience will definitely help you to earn you certification with ease.

Computer Forensic School

Looking for a computer forensic school? Want to get into the top school? In this article, we will discuss some of the ways to secure you a place in the top school.

First of all, find out what the requirements to get yourself into the school. As different schools have different entry requirements, especially for top schools, where there will be more requirements to meet. Hence, it is beneficial for you to check all these out as soon as possible to be well prepared.

If you are in high school now and is considering of pursuing in computer forensics after high school, you should use your holidays or spare time to gain practical and hands-on experience on this field or related IT works. As some top schools might prefer students to have some working or hands-on experience in computing, it is beneficial to equip yourself with this "asset".

Next, it will be rewarding to get to know people who are in this profession. Their views, advices and suggestions are valuable and priceless. You never know how much their guidance can make an impact in your life. To a certain extent, they might also be able to recommend you to get into the top schools.

Above all, the most important is to study smart and achieve good grades in subjects such as English, Maths, and Computing in your high school exams. As preparation is the key to success, start preparing now to secure yourself a place in top computer forensic schools.

Evidence Eliminator

Are you concerned that there might be adult material on your computer that you don't want anyone else to see or discover? Are you looking to remove porn from your computer fast and want to be certain it is gone for good so someone else cannot recover it...ever? Then read on as I have some crucial information that you are definitely going to want to know.

It doesn't matter how or why porn or other adult material got on your computer. Some people enjoy pornography as a form of entertainment. Others avoid it like the plague. Fact is, most computers have some adult content on them either intentionally or not. And it is just sitting there for someone else to discover perhaps at the worst possible time.

You should know that even porn files you have deleted over time may still be sitting there right on your computer's hard drive. The irony is that deleting files doesn't actually delete files! Sounds crazy but it's true. Deleted files don't go anywhere until they are overwritten and that's not something you can control yourself...unless you use special software for that purpose.

And that's where Evidence Eliminator comes in. Evidence Eliminator was specifically designed to not only delete but to completely erase any type of computer files permanently making them impossible to recover. The program might be overkill if your just looking for a simple tool to delete cookies and clear internet history. But if you are looking for the ultimate tool to remove porn fast and for good, then Evidence Eliminator is it.

Why? Because Evidence Eliminator was designed from the ground up to defeat forensics software. Those are the tools used to recover any type of evidence from computers. You would be absolutely astonished and even more frightened if you could see what these forensics tools recover. It is absolutely amazing and scary at the same time.

But why live in fear of what is lurking on your computer drive when you don't have to. Take steps right now to remove porn fast with Evidence Eliminator and be certain it is really gone. You will sleep better!